Dog confusion leads to arguments

DOG owners and other beach goers are clashing at Inverloch in the wake of confusion over new restrictions governing dogs on beaches.

Over the weekend, a dog walker was yelled at by a man after a dog barked at him while off the lead.

Another woman demanded they pick up the dog poo instead of putting it in the water, despite the dog owner walking towards the poo to collect it.

Bass Coast Shire Council has revoked last summer’s total dog ban and divided the beach into off leash, on leash and people only areas instead.

The new off leash areas are between Grandview Grove and Cuttriss Street and Wave Street and Ozone Street. The Abbott Street off leash area has been removed due to environmental issues and exposed rock.

Dogs are now only restricted from 9am to 6pm, from December 1 to February 28 and during the Easter holidays from the Broadbeach Access Track to Cuttriss Street, from Wreck Street to Wave Street and at Pensioners Point.

No dogs are permitted at any time in Screw Creek.

Mayor Cr Kimberley Brown said council had come to a final decision on dog controls on Inverloch beaches after considering all beach users’ needs during public consultations.

Locals were surprised council chose Grandview Grove and Cuttriss Street for a 24 hour off leash area. The area is safest for children to go swimming, is too shallow for boats and the pergola near the beach is a popular destination for families.

The people only beach also came as a shock to locals as a sign in the area indicates there are dangerous currents and discourages swimming.

Locals said they find the restrictions difficult to follow without proper signs along the beach.

The signs are too small for dog walkers to know where it is appropriate to walk their dog and because the signs are just stickers, they can easily be peeled off.